Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaking before the foreign ministers of the European Union in Luxembourg, on April 21, 2026. (Credit: Photo posted on Mr. Salam's X account)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday defended, before European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg, the decision to engage in direct negotiations with Israel in an effort to end the ongoing war in Lebanon.
"Choosing diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, but the expression of national responsibility aimed at exploring all means to restore our country's sovereignty and save our people," Salam said. "Through this diplomatic process, we seek to end the occupation of our land, secure the release of our detainees, and ensure the return of the displaced to their homes and villages."
He said that, "the objective of the Lebanese state is not symbolic involvement, but a firm resolve to seize this opportunity to work towards a lasting solution" with Israel. He also emphasized efforts to ensure the monopoly of weapons in the hands of the state.
Earlier, Salam met in Luxembourg with his counterpart Luc Frieden, according to a statement shared on the Grand Serail’s X account. The two leaders discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region. Frieden called for ongoing conflicts to result in peace agreements. "Lebanon, like the entire region, needs peace. The requirement is not limited to a cease-fire, but must move toward a lasting and credible solution that preserves Lebanon's sovereignty and stability," he stressed.
The Luxembourg prime minister reiterated his country’s support for Lebanon. Nawaf Salam thanked him for this support as well as for Luxembourg’s humanitarian aid, and invited him to visit Lebanon soon.
Meanwhile, in Beirut, President Joseph Aoun said Tuesday that direct negotiations with Israel “do not mean abandonment or capitulation, but aim to resolve the issues,” calling on Lebanese people “who are exhausted by wars” to stand by their state.
A ten-day cease-fire — marred by numerous incidents but potentially renewable — took effect Friday between Israel and Hezbollah. Further talks between Lebanon and Israel are set to take place Thursday in Washington, around ten days after the first session. According to official figures, 2,387 people have been killed in Lebanon over the six weeks of war.
